CONSTITUTION.

19

any present from any foreign Prince or State, or from the
United States, or any of them, without the approbation of
this State.

Art. 36. That as it is the duty of every man to worship
God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to Him, all
persons are equally entitled to protection in their religious
liberty; wherefore, no person ought, by any law to be
molested in his person or estate, on account of his religious
persuasion or profession, or for his religious practice, unless,
under the color of religion, he shall disturb the good order,
peace or safety of the State, or shall infringe the laws of
morality, or injure others in their natural, civil or religious
rights; nor ought any person to be compelled to frequent, or
maintain, or contribute, unless on contract, to maintain any

Religious lib-
erty.

place of worship or any ministry; nor shall any person,
otherwise competent, be deemed incompetent as a witness, or
juror, on account of his religious belief; provided, he believes
in the existence of God, and that under His dispensation
such person will be held morally accountable for his acts,
and be rewarded or punished therefor in this world or the
world to come.

Judefind v. State, 78 Md., 510.

Witnesses.

Art. 37. That no religious test ought ever to be required
as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this
State, other than a declaration of belief in the existence of
God; nor shall the Legislature prescribe any other oath of
office than the oath prescribed by this Constitution.
Davidson v. Brice, 91 Md., 688.

Oath of office.

Art. 38. That every gift, sale or devise of land to any
Minister, Public Teacher or Preacher of the Gospel, as such,
or to any Religious Sect, Order or Denomination, or to, or
for the support, use or benefit of, or in trust for, any Min-
ister, Public Teacher or Preacher of the Gospel, as such, or
any Religious Sect, Order or Denomination; and every gift
or sale of goods, or chattels, to go in succession, or to take
place after the death of the Seller or Donor, to or for such
support, use or benefit; and also every devise of goods or
chattels to or for the support, use or benefit of any Minis-
ter, Public Teacher or Preacher of the Gospel, as such, or
any Religious Sect, Order or Denomination, without the
prior or subsequent sanction of the Legislature, shall be
void; except always, any sale, gift, lease or devise of any
quantity of land, not exceeding five acres, for a church, meet-
ing-house, or other house of worship, or parsonage, or for a
burying-ground, which shall be improved, enjoyed or used

Devises and
grants to
ministers
and religious
bodies, and
for burying
grounds.